Dour R.A. Dickey disappointed in Mets

December 13, 2012|The Sports Xchange

The atmosphere at Citi Field may have been festive for the Mets' annual holiday party, but the mood was somewhat less so. Making his first public appearance since a week earlier at the winter meetings, R.A. Dickey was not shy in relaying his displeasure with the organization.

With he and his agent attempting to negotiate a contract extension to remain in New York through his age-40-season, Dickey said he was disappointed in the pace of talks, which he expected to unfold quickly. He intimated that if the Mets bring him back next year on his current $5 million deal, he will not re-sign as a free agent at season's end.

"I feel a real connection to this place," Dickey said. "At the same time, you don't want to be taken advantage of."

Local reports state that the Mets recently upped their offer to three years and $25 million, including the $5 million they already owe Dickey for next season. The Cy Young award-winning knuckleballer wants a package closer to $30 million, which he considers "less than fair."

The marketplace seems to back him up. Jeremy Guthrie, for example, recently signed a three-year, $25 million contract with the Royals, and his track record is nowhere near as consistent as Dickey's. Jake Peavy inked a two-year, $29 million deal with the White Sox and Zack Greinke set the top of the market with a six-year, $147 million contract from the Dodgers.

Dickey is not asking for anything close to that because he knows he is still a year away from free agency, and because his first choice is to remain in New York. But the Mets also continue to dangle Dickey openly in the trade market, potentially giving him a second route out of town.

"I feel like we're asking for less than what's fair, because that's how it's been for me," Dickey said. "There is a surprise sometimes when things don't get done quickly and you already think you're extending the olive branch. At the same time, they have a budget they have to adhere to. I don't know those numbers. And I try not to take it personally."